Vital stats: Healthcare as a dangerous job

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics on workplace injuries and illnesses in 2010, the healthcare worker injury/illness incidence rate of 5.2 out of every 100 full-time workers, is well ahead of the private construction sector, manufacturing, and natural resources and mining. The OSHA Healthcare Advisor asked readers whether they considered their healthcare jobs dangerous. Here are the results.

Comments

Don’t forget to take into account that healthcare workers are more likely to access the healthcare system (report every little symptom and want to go for treatment) so they are more likely to have more reportable injuries. On the other hand, exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens does take it to the top in terms of danger of life-threatening illnesses.

Medical Environment Update is an eight-page monthly newsletter designed to help busy healthcare professionals who don't have time to look through regulatory journals for compliance requirements and information.